I am looking to start DJing. I decided I am definitly going to go with the Technic 1200's but I am still undecided as to what mixer I should get. My friend tells me his friend at college has a KAOSS pad and that I should get one of those because they are awesome. I wanted to know everyones opinion on the Numark EM-360. He is a list of the specs: KAOSS PAD, Sixty "effects programs", Sampler (5 seconds at 48 kHz), MIDI compatibility, Real-time effects processing, X-Y pad, Separate parameter controls, Hold switch to lock in settings.

I would just like to know everyones thoughts on the KAOSS pad and Numark products in general. Also feel free to recommend any mixers to me, I am looking to spend $300-$500 US Dollars.

Got a little more info on the EM-260

Mixer features:

4 line-2 phono-1 mic input
Front panel mic input with bass treble talkover control
Master and record outputs
Crossfader with hamster switch - curve adjustment and fader start
Split/bend headphone cueing with 1/4 and 1/8 inputs
Bass middle treble EQ with kill on every channel
PFL meter



Kaoss Pad features:
Sixty "effects programs"
Sampler (5 seconds at 48KHz)
Midi compatability
Real - time effects processing
X-Y pad
Separate parameter controls
Hold switch to lock in settings
100% digital processing on all inputs


Now lets hear your opinions

If you're just starting out, a simple straightforward mixer would be a lot better. The KAOSS pad with the effects would just distract you from learning how to mix properly. I would suggest a Vestax PMC170 as a decent beginner mixer ... Also, Numark isn't really famous for using quality components in their mixers, so you should take that into consideration.

peace

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Well how neccessary is it that I use the KAOSS pad at first. I mean can't I learn the basics and then gradually work my way into the KAOSS pad?

Here's a list of mixers for you to consider:

Roland DJ1000 - very good sound quality, built very well and comfortable, awesome filter effect, MIDI sync capabalitys, very reliable, durable, 350$-400$.

Red Infader - Great sound quality, digital mixer, awesome EQ(-85db!), 3 crossfaders(one for the mids, one for the lows and one for the hi's), effect loop, 400$-450$.

Vestax PMC-270a - very good sound quality, 3 channels, effect loop, split cue, isolators, 350$-400$.

Pioneer DJM-300 - very good and crisp sound, fader start control, BPM counters, split cue, 325$-375$.

Ecler SMAC pro20 - Great sound, built very well and comfortable, very good faders, great croosfader, very nice EQ, reliable, durable, 250$-300$.

Ecler SMAC pro30 - Great sound, built very well and comfortable, very good faders, great crossfader, very nice EQ, reliable and durable, 3 channels, effect loop, 300$-350$.

Ecler SMAC pro40 - Great sound, built very very well, very good faders, great crossfader, very nice EQ, 4 channels, effect loop, very reliable and durable, 350$-450$.

Denon DN-X800 - Very very good sound, total effect control, effect loop, fader start control, VCA faders, really nice EQ, built well, durable, digital mixer, 500$-550$.

Behringer DX-1000 - really great sound, effect loop, nice EQ, great faders, great croosfader, effect loop, very good headphones amp, 5 channels + mic, kill switches, 400$-450$.

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The KAOSS pad is probably the niftiest thing ever produced for DJ's during a live performance in your regular club...

...it's really funky if you have a steady hand, but if you're just starting out, I would probably drop the KAOSS pad. As said, it distracts you *A LOT* if you're just gonna start learning to mix.
I don't see a good trance DJ using the KAOSS pad either, unless he's fooling around with the home crowd at his local club.

It's great for studio use, tho...

Go for something like the Pioneer DJM-300. A nice two channel mixer is all you need.

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...For trance shall rise again, and we few, as it's dedicated followers, will stand at the forefront of this great wave and lead the rest through the unrefined wasteland that is trash music!

The Roland DJ-1000 is better... also two channel mixer.

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